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wear only prescription eyewear with no protective goggles

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wear only prescription eyewear with no protective goggles

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put waste in the designated waste basket

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put waste in the designated waste basket

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follow directions exactly how they are stated in the instructions 

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follow directions exactly how they are stated in the instructions 

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know where the emergency exits / safety equipment are located

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know where the emergency exits / safety equipment are located

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throw out food / gum before the lab starts 

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throw out food / gum before the lab starts 

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put waste in baskets where it is not designated for 

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put waste in baskets where it is not designated for 

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leave the laboratory with unwashed hands

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leave the laboratory with unwashed hands

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begin the lab without knowing where the emergency exits / safety equipment are located

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begin the lab without knowing where the emergency exits / safety equipment are located

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The student leaves an open flame unattended near chemicals that are easily caught on fire (flammable). The open flame caught the flammable chemical of fire, causing a large fire to erupt immediately. The student didn't located the fire extinguisher prior to the lab, so the student frantically went looking for help. The fire grew larger and larger, until the instructor of the lab located the fire extinguisher, and put out the fire. The instructor didn't put the fire out in time, and many of the students bags and materials that were on the table, caught on fire. 

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The student leaves an open flame unattended near chemicals that are easily caught on fire (flammable). The open flame caught the flammable chemical of fire, causing a large fire to erupt immediately. The student didn't located the fire extinguisher prior to the lab, so the student frantically went looking for help. The fire grew larger and larger, until the instructor of the lab located the fire extinguisher, and put out the fire. The instructor didn't put the fire out in time, and many of the students bags and materials that were on the table, caught on fire. 

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The student wrote the pre-lab on a paper and left it near the open flame. The student along with another student was fooling around during the lab. The students knocked over the open flame onto the pre-lab paper. Without the students realizing it, the flame came into contact with the paper, and ignited it after a few seconds. The students continued to fool around, and knocked over a beaker, shattering the glass. The students finally noticed the pre-lab on fire, and put it out with the fire extinguisher. The students picked up the glass with their bare hands, and put it in the paper waste basket. The students hands were cut, along with the trash bag in the paper waste basket. 

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The student wrote the pre-lab on a paper and left it near the open flame. The student along with another student was fooling around during the lab. The students knocked over the open flame onto the pre-lab paper. Without the students realizing it, the flame came into contact with the paper, and ignited it after a few seconds. The students continued to fool around, and knocked over a beaker, shattering the glass. The students finally noticed the pre-lab on fire, and put it out with the fire extinguisher. The students picked up the glass with their bare hands, and put it in the paper waste basket. The students hands were cut, along with the trash bag in the paper waste basket. 

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The students were doing a lab involving corrosive chemicals. Even with knowing this, the students did not dress accordingly, and wore tank tops, exposing their arms. The students also did not wear an apron or gloves during this lab. One student spilt a corrosive chemical on their arm, and wiped it off with their shirt and pants. Only a minute later, the students arm became red and hot; the chemical was burning the students skin, as well as corroding through the students clothing. The student went under the safety show, but suffered with burns. 

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The students were doing a lab involving corrosive chemicals. Even with knowing this, the students did not dress accordingly, and wore tank tops, exposing their arms. The students also did not wear an apron or gloves during this lab. One student spilt a corrosive chemical on their arm, and wiped it off with their shirt and pants. Only a minute later, the students arm became red and hot; the chemical was burning the students skin, as well as corroding through the students clothing. The student went under the safety show, but suffered with burns. 

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What Are Chemical Burns?

Chemical burns are injuries to the skin, eyes, mouth, or internal organs caused by contact with a corrosive substance. They may also be called caustic burns.

Chemical burns can happen in the home, at work, or at school. They can result from an accident or an assault. Although few people in the United States die after contact with chemicals in the home, many substances common in living areas and in storage areas can do serious harm.

Many chemical burns happen accidentally through misuse of products such as those for hair, skin, and nail care. Although injuries do happen at home, the risk of sustaining a chemical burn is much greater in the workplace, especially in businesses and manufacturing plants that use large quantities of chemicals.

Types of Chemical Burns

Chemical burns are classified like other burns based on the amount of damage done:

Superficial or first-degree burns only affect the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis. The area will be red and painful, but there usually is no permanent damage.

Partial thickness or second-degree burns extend into the second layer of skin called the dermis. You may have blisters and swelling, and it may leave scars.

Full thickness or third-degree burns go through the skin and may damage tissue underneath. The area may look black or white. Because nerves are destroyed, you may not feel pain.

Chemical Burn Causes and Risk Factors

Most chemicals that cause burns are either strong acids or bases. A glance at the medical information on the labels of dangerous chemicals confirms the expected toxicity. Commonsense precautions and consumer education can reduce your family's risk of injury. A variety of household products can cause chemical burns, including:

Ammonia

Battery acid

Bleach

Concrete mix

Drain or toilet bowl cleaners

Metal cleaners

Pool chlorinators

Tooth-whitening products

Infants and older people are most at risk for burns. Chemical burns tend to happen to:

Young children exploring their environments who get their hands on something dangerous

People whose jobs put them in contact with chemicals

Chemical Burn Symptoms

Chemical burn of the skin.

Chemical burn of the eye.

All chemical burns should be considered medical emergencies. If you have a chemical burn of the mouth or throat, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

Most chemical burns happen on the face, eyes, arms, and legs. Usually a chemical burn will be relatively small and will require only outpatient treatment. Chemical burns can be deceiving, however. Some agents can cause deep tissue damage not readily apparent when you first look at it.

Signs and symptoms of chemical burns include the following:

Redness, irritation, or burning at the site of contact

Pain or numbness at the site of contact

Formation of blisters or black dead skin at the contact site

Vision changes if the chemical gets into your eyes

Cough or shortness of breath

Tissue damage from chemical burns depends on several things, including:

The strength or concentration of the chemical

The site of contact (eye, skin, mucous membrane)

Whether it's swallowed or inhaled

Whether or not skin is intact

How much of the chemical you came into contact with

Duration of exposure

How the chemical works

In serious cases, you may develop any of the following:

Emergency Medical Care for Chemical Burns

Any chemical burn can be a legitimate reason to get emergency medical help. Always call 911 if you don't know how severe the injury is or whether or not the person is medically stable. Also call 911 if you have any concerns about a chemical injury.

Emergency personnel are trained to assess the extent of a chemical burn, begin treatment, and take patients to the hospital.

Emergency workers also may determine the need for more involved decontamination of both you and the accident site prior to going to the hospital. When you contact 911, tell the dispatcher as much of the following information as possible:

How many people are injured and the location where they are

How the injury happened

Whether emergency personnel can reach the victims or whether the victims are trapped

Name, strength, and volume or quantity of the chemical causing the burn (Give a container of the chemical to emergency personnel, if possible.)

Length of time of contact with the chemical

Always seek emergency care for any burn that is larger than 3 inches in diameter or is very deep. Also seek emergency care for any chemical burns involving the face, eyes, groin, hands, feet, or buttocks or if it is over a joint.

Even if the exposure was very small and you have completed basic first aid, call your doctor to review the injury and the chemical involved and to make sure no further emergency treatment is needed. The doctor can arrange appropriate treatment or will direct you to go to a hospital's emergency room. If you're the person with the burn, ask your doctor if you need a tetanus shot.

Chemical Burn Diagnosis

In the emergency room, you can expect the following:

Initial evaluation and stabilization

Rapid evaluation of the chemical

Determination of the extent of injury

Blood tests and other studies to determine if you should be admitted to the hospital

Most people with chemical burns do not need to be admitted. Most can go home after arranging follow-up care with their doctor. In severe cases, however, they may need to be admitted to a hospital.

Chemical Burn Treatment

As soon as you or your child have contact with a dangerous chemical, begin basic first aid. Call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 if you do not know whether the chemical is toxic.

Immediately call 911 if you have a severe injury, any shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or other symptoms throughout your body. If you are aiding an injured person with these symptoms, lay the person down and immediately call 911.
First aid

Remove yourself or the person with the burn from the accident area.

Remove any contaminated clothing.

Wash the injured area to dilute or remove the substance, using large volumes of water. Wash for at least 20 minutes, taking care not to allow runoff to contact unaffected parts of your body. Gently brush away any solid materials, again avoiding unaffected body surfaces.

Especially wash away any chemical in your or the person's eye. Sometimes the best way to get large amounts of water to your eye is to step into the shower.

Medical treatment

IV fluids may be needed to normalize blood pressure and heart rate.

The IV access may also be used for any medications needed to treat pain or protect against infection.

Decontamination will begin (likely water irrigation).

You will be given any antidote to counteract the chemical, if appropriate.

Antibiotics often are not needed for minor chemical burns.

Wounds will be cleaned and bandaged with medicated creams and sterile wraps as needed.

Consultation with other medical specialists may be done.

Pain from a burn can often be severe. Adequate pain control will be addressed by your doctor.

If there is any indication of breathing problems, a breathing tube may be placed in your airway to help.

If needed, a tetanus booster will be given.

Itching as a burn heals can be a serious problem. You may need special medication to soothe it.

For severe burns, you may need surgery. In a process called skin grafting, a piece of healthy skin from somewhere else on your body or from a donor can be transplanted to replace the damaged skin.

Cosmetic or reconstructive surgery may be needed to deal with scarring.

Physical and occupational therapy can keep scars from limiting your range of motion.

Counseling and support groups can help with emotional issues caused by trauma from the injury or disfigurement.

Chemical Burn Follow-Up

After leaving the emergency department, call your doctor within 24 hours to arrange follow-up care. Call sooner if any new problems or concerns arise.

Chemical Burn Complications

Serious chemical burns can cause long-term complications:

Many people have pain and scarring.

Burns in the eye can lead to blindness.

Swallowing harmful chemicals can lead to problems in your gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to permanent disability.

Some acid burns can cause the loss of fingers or toes.

Burns can cause emotional issues including anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Chemical Burn Prevention

Secure all chemicals in and out of the home in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.

Store chemicals in their original containers.

Try to use chemicals as little as possible, and don't let them touch your skin.

When using chemicals, always follow directions and safety precautions on the label provided by the manufacturer.

Make sure your work area is well ventilated.

Wear safety clothing and eye protection, and remember, safety first!

Chemical Burn Outlook

Most chemical burns are minor and can be treated without causing long-term problems. Some burns, however, cause significant scarring or other medical complications.

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Chemical burns are injuries to the skin, eyes, mouth, or internal organs caused by contact with a corrosive substance. They may also be called caustic burns. Chemical burns can happen in the home, at work, or at school. They can result from an accident or an assault.

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Flammable and combustible are terms used to describe how easily a liquid ignites. While we usually use the term to describe liquids, it is not the liquid that burns - it's the vapor given off by the liquid.

So, what is the difference between flammable and combustible? Flammable liquids burn at normal working temperatures while combustible liquids need heat before they will ignite. They also have different flashpoints.

Official Definition of Flammable and Combustible

The National Fire Protection Association defines the different classes of flammable and combustible liquids in its Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, also known as NFPA 30.

The graphic above shows that flammable liquids have a flashpoint below 100 F (37.8 C). Combustible liquids have a flashpoint above 100 F.

The NFPA and OSHA differ in how they classify flammable liquids. In 2015, OSHA adopted the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labeling of chemicals. This change removed the term combustible from OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.106. Thus, all liquids with a flashpoint lower than 199.4 F (93 C) are flammable.
RELATED ARTICLE: What Are the Requirements for Flammable Liquid Storage?
Important Physical Properties of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Flammable and combustible liquids vary in complexity. But, there are some crucial similarities between the two types of liquid. Here are three defining physical characteristics to keep in mind when handling flammables and combustibles.

Flashpoint
Flashpoint is the main physical property that defines flammable and combustible liquids. It is the minimum temperature at which the vapors given off by a liquid could ignite when mixed with air, near the surface of the liquid.

Boiling Point
The boiling point is the temperature that liquid boils. It occurs when the vapor pressure of the liquid equals the atmospheric pressure. Boiling liquids produce a lot of vapors and the harder they boil, the more vapors they release.

Flammable/Explosive Range
The flammable range of a liquid is a measure of the vapor concentration in the air where an explosion can occur, based on normal atmospheric and temperature variables. If the vapor concentration is "too lean," there is not enough fuel for ignition. If the vapor concentration is "too rich," there is not enough oxygen for ignition. The flammable range is the danger zone for fires.
SEE ALSO: Redbook - Your Guide to Handling Flammable Liquids Safely
Where to Find Info on Combustible or Flammable Liquids

Chemical suppliers provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with each product they deliver. It contains all the chemical, physical and safety information for the product - including whether it is flammable or combustible. The physical properties described above appear in section 9 of any SDS. Section 7 describes the safe handling and storage requirements for each chemical. Follow the instructions outlined in your SDS to prevent injuries and fires.

Why Do I Need this Information?

Many different industries use flammable and combustible liquids - from hair salons to industrial manufacturing plants. With such a wide range of applications, your chances of working with or around flammable or combustibles is high. It's important to understand the differences between these properties. Improperly using, transporting or storing flammable or combustible materials is easy to do, but the consequences can be dangerous.
RELATED ARTICLE: Understanding the Chemical Compatibility of Safety Cans
Now that I Know the Differences, Where Do I Store Flammables and Combustibles?

Anytime you work with flammable or combustible liquids, the risk of fire exists. Proper storage and handling is the first step to reducing those risks. Always use approved safety storage cabinets that meet OSHA and NFPA construction and design requirements. Look for cabinets certified by independent third-party testing agencies such as FM Approvals, MPA Dresden or UL.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when storing flammable and combustible liquids:

Keep It Separate
Never store incompatible liquids near one another. This also means storing certain chemical groups away from other chemical groups - like oxidizers and flammables. Justrite supplies shelf dividers to help organize chemicals within a safety cabinet.

Ensure Proper Ventilation
Vapors are invisible and denser than air. They can ignite easily in areas with poor ventilation, even at ambient temperatures. All Justrite cabinets include dual vents with built-in flame arresters with bungs. While NFPA 30 does not require ventilating safety cabinets, it does state to leave the vent opening sealed with the supplied bungs if the cabinet is not vented.

Note: If venting the cabinet, consult the local fire marshal and/or the authority having jurisdiction to ensure local codes are met, and a professional engineer or EHS officer to ensure the fire resistance is not compromised.
RELATED TechTALK: Safety Cabinet Venting
Manage Spills
Proper cleanup and spill containment is vital when working with flammable and combustible chemicals. Justrite safety cabinets feature patented SpillSlope® shelves that slope backwards to safely direct spills towards the leakproof sump in the bottom of the cabinet. Use sorbents or rags to clean up spills, but never leave them within the cabinet as a preventative method. To prevent spontaneous combustion, dispose of cleaning rags in Justrite oily waste cans.

Eliminate Human Error
Despite our best efforts, nobody is perfect. Flammable safety cabinets are designed to protect workplaces in case of a fire, by allowing workers time to evacuate. But, these cabinets are only effective when doors are closed. What happens if the doors are accidentally left open?

Justrite safety cabinets with self-closing doors shut automatically in a fire situation. Fusible links hold doors open but will melt if the temperature reaches 165 F (74 C), slamming the doors shut. For added security, cabinets also feature three self-latching bullets located at the top, center and bottom of the door as a fail-safe.

Justrite Products Make Storing Flammable and Combustible Liquids Easy

Justrite supplies specialized products and services to help you handle and store flammable and combustible liquids safely and provide you with peace of mind. Learn more about flammable and combustible safety cans and cabinets.

References

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Flammable vs Combustible: What's the Difference?

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Flammable and combustible are terms used to describe how easily a liquid ignites. While we usually use the term to describe liquids, it is not the liquid that burns - it's the vapor given off by the liquid. So, what is the difference between flamm